I have a gnawing question. (I have to admit it was inspired by the excellent sardine picture).
What is a pump. Now I know that it is a high heel shoe, but I always thought it was a "not too high" heel shoe. Like I always assumed it was an inch or less. But I have heard some people refer to some VERY high heeled shoes as 'pumps'. This has bothered me.
When I was in high school (like a freshman or sophomore) Payless Shoe Source came out with these 'dyeable' pumps. They started bright white satin, but you could dye them to match your dress exactly. I secretly always wanted to get some dyeable shoes for a dance. Looking back, they were HIDEOUS! I am so glad I didn't fall for that fashion disaster.
I had a friend that got some dyeable shoes and at the end of the night, her feet were the same color as her shoes....turquoise!
So, back to the topic of pumps. I would like to know your opinion of 'pumps'. I still believe they can't be called 'pumps' if they are over a one (maybe 1 1/2) inch heel.
I just remembered that one year for Halloween, I was Carmen Miranda and I had some green dyeable pumps that I bought at Savers. They were like new. Probably because whoever bought them was too embarrassed to wear them. I guess I did get my dyeable pumps!
That puts a smile on my face.

I recall mom saying "pumps" quite a bit as if Satan himself had invented them. "Oh no, we don't wear "pumps" until you are much older!" She scared the living daylights out of me.
ReplyDeleteI believe pumps are the awkward 1/2 to 1 inch shoes that have a pointed toe (and can only be pictured at Payless in dyeables)
I believe HEELS is the correct term for the slutty ones I like to wear every now and then (just to get a rise out of mom . . .tee hee hee!_
When I think of pumps, I think of a classy, no frills, sturdy heel, (not to high) shoe. I have quite a few in my closet as I type. I am always on the look out for a good pair of pumps. I know the instant I try them on if they will work. Never underestimate a good pair of pumps. (Even it they turn your feet turquoise or in Miranda's case...green!)
ReplyDeleteWikipedia states:
ReplyDelete"the word "pump" originates from the pomp related to the occasions on which they are worn" That works for me!
I always considered a pump to be a lower heeled dress shoe.
Funny thing, I actually wore some of those dyeable Payless pumps at my first wedding, but left them white and didn't dye them. Maybe a sign, don't ever wear Payless Shoe Source shoes at your wedding-it will be doomed.
I'm with Terri on this one. Pumps are considered a practical, sturdy high heel in the old school sense. It's a total Minima word though and I don't think I actually owned any real pumps until after I was married. You had to really be mature enough to own a pair of pumps!
ReplyDeleteWell great, I wore some dyeables from Payless to match my IVORY dress for my SECOND wedding!! Thanks SQUIRREL!!!
ReplyDeleteYa, I am still too young to wear pumps...I think the "sisters" know their heel types. I remember when I got my first black velvet "elevator"shoes from payless. I begged my mom to get them, and she told me she would if I didn't go clothes shopping for 3 months... What a SCAM!
ReplyDelete